Principles

The layout represents an imaginary line in the Denver / Colorado area and hence is not based on a prototype. We therefore started with the following principles:

Scenic

1.      A desire to represent the local mountains / rock faces with meaningful height.

2.      A need to keep things moving on the layout

3.      To have areas of scenic interest to appeal to the non-train people and to provide interest when nothing is moving.

4.      To have significant height differentials on the track work.

5.      No straight lines in the track work.

Baseboards

1.      The over-riding aim was to have as few bits to transport as possible. On our previous layout (Hammeston Wharf) there were something like 98 separate pieces of equipment (not counting rolling stock & figures).

2.      The layout should be easy to maintain e.g. no point motors hidden in inaccessible places under baseboards.

3.      An ability to control the lighting levels and to allow for large trees to ’disappear’ above the layout.

4.      To use a plywood open-frame approach for light weight and stability.

5.      To be able to fit at least one baseboard in an estate car.

6.      To be able to get a baseboard through a standard house door.